Vasily Podkolzin (Photo by Derek Cain/Getty Images)
The Edmonton Oilers have signed forward Vasily Podkolzin to a three-year contract extension with a $2.95 million average annual value (AAV), beginning in the 2026–27 season. The deal includes a $1 million signing bonus each year and a $1.95 million salary, totaling $2.95 million per season.
Negotiations And Decision
“I thought the number would be lower,” Podkolzin admitted in an exclusive interview with RG. “Talks started about three weeks ago. They told me there was interest and that they wanted to sign me for multiple years. Usually when they say ‘multiple,’ it means three or more. After that, we had two more calls, and last night (Monday, Sept. 22) they phoned me for the final time. They asked me ‘yes or no,’ and I immediately said yes. It all came together pretty easily.”
For Podkolzin, 24 and currently on a $1 million deal, the process felt smooth. “For me, the negotiations were almost invisible. For the agents, I think it was harder because they had to work out the numbers. But it turned out great. I think Edmonton gave me the maximum they could, and I’m really grateful to my agents for that,” he said.
Finding His Place in Edmonton
Podkolzin arrived in Edmonton via a trade from Vancouver in August 2024. He played all 82 games in the 2024–25 regular season, posting 24 points (8 goals, 16 assists), and added 10 more (3 goals, 7 assists) in 22 playoff games as the Oilers reached the Stanley Cup Final. He spent most of the season on a line with Leon Draisaitl, who publicly praised their chemistry. After the extension was announced, Draisaitl congratulated his linemate on Instagram, writing in Russian: “Russian Machine.”
“I just saw that–it was unexpected and very nice,” Podkolzin said with a smile. “Honestly, yesterday, when I already knew the deal was happening but hadn’t signed yet, I texted Connor [McDavid] and Leon. I felt like those two needed to know first. For me, this is a huge opportunity, and I’m very thankful for how it all worked out.”
Head coach Kris Knoblauch revealed the signing to the team at the end of practice on Tuesday, earning Podkolzin a big cheer from his teammates. “That was really nice,” he said.
Security And Focus
The Russian winger has carved out a steady role in Edmonton’s top nine through hard work. Another strong season could have pushed his price higher, but Podkolzin made it clear he wanted the extension done before the season started.
“I didn’t want to wait until the end of the year. Of course, I could have played the season without a deal, that wouldn’t be a problem. But I have a family, a child, and I wanted a bit of security. I want to focus fully on hockey, not think about the future. If they had told me, ‘Let’s see after the season,’ I would have been fine with that. But they showed interest in late August, and things moved quickly.”
The conversation with Podkolzin took place one day before the forward learned about his father’s passing. Because of this, he traveled back to Russia, but has since returned to Edmonton on Tuesday and will be ready to play in the Oilers’ final preseason game on Friday.
“Maybe I’d have liked another week or two in Russia, but the summer was short anyway. I did all the work I needed in Vancouver and here in Edmonton. I passed all the tests, I feel good. Now it’s just hockey. I think we need to start better than before and stay consistent through the season.”
On McDavid’s Situation
He also isn’t concerned about the ongoing speculation around Connor McDavid’s contract.
“He said it himself: ‘If you can’t go into a season just because of contract issues, then you chose the wrong sport.’ He’s mentally very strong, so it will be fine. Yes, there’s a lot of noise around him, the media makes it seem like he’s walking a tightrope. But in reality, it’s calmer than it looks. I’m sure there won’t be any problems. When he decides he wants to sign, of course, they’ll let him. It just means there’s a dialogue with management. I don’t worry about it at all. This is just how the Canadian market is–fans get emotional, sometimes panic where it isn’t needed, and conspiracy theories pop up. But that’s Canada–it’s always like this. In reality, everything is much calmer than it seems from the outside.”